Mind-bending puzzle games


Exercise your brain with these tricky puzzle games. They'll make you think hard to solve challenges and figure out clever solutions. Get ready for brain-teasing fun!

Portal 2
Portal 2 (2011)
Developer: Valve Corporation
Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Mac

Sequel to the acclaimed Portal (2007), Portal 2 pits the protagonist of the original game, Chell, and her new robot friend, Wheatley, against more puzzles conceived by GLaDOS, an A.I. with the sole purpose of testing the Portal Gun's mechanics and taking revenge on Chell for the events of Portal. As a result of several interactions and...

The Witness
The Witness (2016)
Developer: Thekla, Inc
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

The Witness is an exploration-puzzle game. The game is being developed by a small, independent team, a mix of full-timers and contractors.

Baba is You
Baba is You (2019)
Developer: hempuli
Platforms: Mac, iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, Android, Linux

Baba Is You is a puzzle game where you can change the rules by which you play. In every level, the rules themselves are present as blocks you can interact with; by manipulating them, you can change how the level works and cause surprising, unexpected interactions! With some simple block-pushing you can turn yourself into a rock, turn patches of...

Monument Valley
Monument Valley (2014)
Developer: Ustwo Games
Platforms: Android, Mac, Windows Phone, iOS

In Monument Valley, the player leads the player-character princess Ida through mazes of optical illusions and impossible objects, which are referred to as "sacred geometry" in-game, as she journeys to be forgiven for something. The game is presented in isometric view, and the player interacts with the environment to find hidden passages as Ida...

Tetris Effect
Tetris Effect (2018)
Developer: Resonair, Monstars Inc.
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Oculus Quest, PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, PlayStation 4, SteamVR, PlayStation VR2

Named after a real-world phenomenon where players' brains are so engrossed that images of the iconic falling Tetrimino blocks linger in their vision, thoughts, and even dreams, Tetris Effect amplifies this magical feeling of total immersion by surrounding you with fantastic, fully three-dimensional worlds that react and evolve based on how you...

INSIDE
INSIDE (2016)
Developer: Playdead
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

An atmospheric 2D side-scroller in which, hunted and alone, a boy finds himself drawn into the center of a dark project and struggles to preserve his identity.

Limbo
Limbo (2010)
Developer: Playdead
Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Limbo is a black and white puzzle-platforming adventure. Play the role of a young boy traveling through an eerie and treacherous world in an attempt to discover the fate of his sister. Limbo's design is an example of gaming as an art form. Short and sweet, doesn't overstay its welcome. Puzzles are challenging and fun, not illogical and frustrating.

Fez
Fez (2012)
Developer: Polytron Corporation
Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Mac, iOS, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

Gomez is a 2D creature living in a 2D world. Or is he? When the existence of a mysterious 3rd dimension is revealed to him, Gomez is sent out on a journey that will take him to the very end of time and space. Use your ability to navigate 3D structures from 4 distinct classic 2D perspectives. Explore a serene and beautiful open-ended world full...

The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle (2014)
Developer: Croteam
Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

The Talos Principle is a philosophical first-person puzzle game from Croteam, the creators of the legendary Serious Sam series, written by Tom Jubert (FTL, The Swapper) and Jonas Kyratzes (The Sea Will Claim Everything).

Braid
Braid (2008)
Developer: Number None Inc.
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac

Braid is a puzzle-platformer, drawn in a painterly style, where you can manipulate the flow of time in strange and unusual ways. From a house in the city, journey to a series of worlds and solve puzzles to rescue an abducted princess. In each world, you have a different power to affect the way time behaves, and it is time's strangeness that...